How a $2.5 million investment will generate 90 green energy jobs in Grand Rapids

Courtesy photoAltronics installers secure a wind turbine to a commercial high rise.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Altronics Energy plans to invest $2.5 million in an expansion that will generate 90 new jobs over the next three years.

The company will receive $450,000 in combined incentives from the state and Byron Township where the facility will be located.

The Michigan Business Development Program approved the tax incentives today. Byron Township leaders are expected to also approve local tax abatements for the company’s expansion.

This expansion project is the result of collaboration between Altronics Energy and the Muskegon-based WindTronics.

Altronics Energy was launched three years ago by the family-owned Altron Automation, a Hudsonville-based custom machine tool manufacturer for more than 23 years. The longtime auto supplier responded to the downturn in the industry by making several strategic changes in 2008, expanding into new ventures, including the medical, food and green energy sectors.

What began as a component manufacturing relationship developed into Altronics Energy, providing complete manufacturing, distribution and training services for the Muskegon company’s The Honeywell Wind Turbine.

Altronics Energy’s investment in this project will include the purchase of new equipment and facility enhancements to support their expanded services.

“Altronics Energy is proof that American manufacturing and innovation is alive and well in West Michigan,” said Susan Jackson, senior business development manager for The Right Place, Inc. “This expansion confirms that market diversification in manufacturing works and leads to jobs and growth.”

Another collaboration in the project is bringing together the Grand Rapids Community College, The Right Place and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to provide training for the new workers hired by Altronics Eneergy. Funds from the Michigan New Jobs will help cover the $200,000 cost to train 51 workers with the skill sets needed in the industry over the next six years.

“GRCC sees its role in economic vitality for the region by bringing new skills to our already talented west Michigan workforce,” said Julie Parks, director of GRCC's workforce training. “We will continue to work with our partners to identify skills gaps and fill those gaps. It’s part of our mission as a community college.”

Altronics Energy is currently located at 7357 Expressway Drive in Grand Rapids.